The weather has been hellacious this weekend and it looks like this all GCFA Scottish Cup clash might just beat the yellow weather warning.

Only Sport Scottish Amateur Cup 2025-26 – Round 2

The magic of the Scottish Amateur Cup is alive and well, and Round two throws up an intriguing clash between Third Lanark Amateurs and Southside United.

With both sides looking to spark their campaigns into life, this meeting carries plenty of weight despite neither team having faced the other before in official competition.

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Third Lanark Amateurs head into this tie with mixed fortunes. Their last five outings show one win, one draw, and three defeats – but crucially, they snapped their poor run with a confidence-boosting win in their most recent fixture.

That momentum could prove vital. Southside United, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency. Four defeats in their last five matches underline the challenges they’ve faced, though their solitary win does show they are capable of springing a surprise when underestimated.

🔑 Key Talking Points

Momentum vs. Morale: Third Lanark’s recent victory might give them the psychological edge, while Southside United will need to regroup quickly to avoid another early exit.

First-Ever Meeting: With no head-to-head history to draw on, this encounter is a clean slate. Both teams will be eager to make a statement and lay down a marker. Cup Football Factor: In knockout football, form doesn’t always dictate outcome. One big moment, one defensive lapse, or one inspired performance could swing the tie either way.

BIG GAME PLAYERS

McGeachey vs. Ali: Who Can Shape the Game Today?

Every match has its tipping points, and more often than not, it comes down to the players who’ve been quietly (or not so quietly) carrying their teams all season. For Southside, that man has been McGeachey. For Third Lanark, it’s been Ali. Both have been standouts in their own right, but the bigger question ahead of today’s clash is this: who can make the bigger impact when it really matters?

McGeachey – Southside’s Engine

McGeachey has been the heartbeat of Southside’s season so far. Whether it’s his relentless energy in midfield, his ability to knit play together, or those driving runs that put opposition defenders on the back foot, he’s the one who dictates the rhythm. Southside’s best spells have almost always come when he’s on the ball and making things happen. If he can get on top of the midfield battle today, Southside will fancy their chances of controlling the tempo.

Ali – Third Lanark’s Game-Changer

On the other side, Ali has been a revelation for Third Lanark. intelligent in his positioning, and decisive going forward, he has that rare knack for being in the right place at the right time. While McGeachey sets the tempo, Ali disrupts it — and often turns defence into quick-fire attacks with his pace. His influence isn’t always flashy, but it’s hugely effective. If Southside let him do his thing, Ali could swing things in Third Lanark’s favour.

Who Has the Edge?

Much will depend on the flow of the game. If it turns into a midfield chess match, McGeachey’s control and vision could prove decisive. If it becomes more about finding space and taking that important chance, Ali is the man likeliest to rise to the occasion.

Either way, this matchup feels like the hinge point of the contest. Both clubs have relied on these two all season — and today, it might just come down to who wins that personal duel.

THE GAFFERS

A New Managerial Rivalry Brewing in the Southside of Glasgow?

A New Managerial Rivalry Brewing in the Southside of Glasgow?

There’s a sense of something fresh stirring in the southside of Glasgow. Two young, ambitious managers are quietly shaping the narrative, each building squads that not only look strong on paper but also play with a clear identity on the pitch.

This could be the start of a fascinating rivalry – one that goes beyond just points on the board. It’s about pride, style, and the chance to carve out dominance in one of the most football-obsessed corners of the city.

Both managers have laid solid foundations. Recruitment has been sharp, development of players has been clear to see, and tactical tweaks show a level of maturity beyond their years. Most importantly, they’ve instilled belief – in their players, their fans, and perhaps even in themselves as rising figures in Scottish football.

Of course, it’s still early days. But rivalries don’t appear overnight; they grow, fuelled by close games, contrasting personalities, and the desire to outdo one another. If things continue on this path, we could be watching the birth of a managerial battle that defines the next few years of football in Glasgow’s southside.

HUGH HILLS PRE MATCH PREDICTION

It’s a tough one to call, with neither side setting the world alight recently. However, Third Lanark Amateurs appear to have a slight edge thanks to their improved confidence from a recent win. Expect a close contest, but if one team is to edge it, Third Lanark look the likelier.

Both sides will see this as a winnable match – but only one can move closer to Scottish Amateur Cup glory.